Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Revealed

After seven remarkable seasons, *Rick and Morty* has cemented its place as one of the premier animated sitcoms of all time. The series masterfully blends high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development, though fans often endure long waits between new episodes. While the show typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year has been delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike. As we eagerly await the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 *Rick and Morty* episodes, and see where iconic episodes like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

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This Season 3 episode brilliantly defies expectations. Initially teased as an adventure in Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous episode, setting the stage for a major confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Despite a mixed reception for Season 6, "Solaricks" stands out as one of the show's strongest premiere episodes. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a comedic misadventure that sends displaced characters back to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while showcasing Jerry's unexpected heroism.

13. "One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)

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Heist movies get a hilarious twist in this Season 4 episode. With a plot that grows increasingly absurd, "One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his rival, Rand-o-Tron. The episode not only builds successfully on its outlandish premise but also brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole, delivering the internet's latest meme-worthy line since "I'm Pickle Rick!"

12. "The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)

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This episode delves into the mechanics of Rick's spaceship, revealing a microverse that powers its battery. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the episode explores existential themes while delivering a side-splitting subplot involving Summer and the ship's protective measures.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale unravels Evil Morty's true motives, moving beyond a typical multiverse showdown. After an entertaining anime-inspired opening featuring Rick's crow obsession, "Rickmurai Jack" reveals Evil Morty's desire to escape Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure selection goes awry, the introduction of Mr. Meeseeks steals the show, humorously illustrating the challenges of helping others achieve their goals, particularly Jerry's golfing woes.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5 kicks off with the introduction of Mr. Nimbus, a parody of Aquaman/Namor. Though his feud with Rick plays in the background, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension with accelerated time, complemented by a humorous subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis.

8. "The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)

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Misleadingly titled, this episode takes unexpected turns as Morty gains the power to rewind time, leading to both comedic and emotionally intense moments. It exemplifies Rick and Morty's ability to blend high-concept sci-fi with sharp humor and heartfelt plot twists.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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A meme phenomenon, "Pickle Rick" follows Rick's transformation into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His subsequent adventures, including a confrontation with Jaguar, highlight the series' penchant for the bizarre and over-the-top.

6. "Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)

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This episode marks a pivotal moment for Rick and Morty, establishing its signature mix of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection leads to catastrophic results, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension, a decision that resonates through subsequent seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode ends with Rick's self-sacrifice, one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, concluding the season on a high note.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In this episode, Morty's mission to protect Fart leads to significant twists and emotional turmoil. Memorable for its details, including Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired performance and the Roy: A Life Well Lived arcade game, the episode also features a standout Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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Watching TV becomes a gateway to the multiverse in this episode, introducing beloved characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. "Rixty Minutes" balances humor with depth, as the Smiths confront alternate realities and the repercussions of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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This episode reunites Rick with Unity, a hive mind voiced by Christina Hendricks. Their tumultuous relationship descends into chaos, culminating in a heart-wrenching near-suicide for Rick, underscoring the series' themes of loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates the essence of Rick and Morty with its clever premise of memory-altering parasites. The episode introduces a host of memorable side characters and shifts from humor to poignant drama, leaving a lasting impact with the introduction of Mr. Poopybutthole.